EP REVIEW: Embers – Divide

Back in 2014, DIVIDE were beginning to grab attention, but hit with line-up changes the band began to lose the momentum they had built up. Three years later, and armed with new vocalist Nicole Mason, drummer Scott Johnston and ex YASHIN guitarist Connor Macleod, the Glaswegian five piece are ready to present themselves to the world again with five track EP Embers. So have the newer, stronger DIVIDE managed to build themselves back up again?

Opening the EP is Before I Go, which provides a strong start. Not too energetic but still packing a punch, the stabbing guitar in the verses keeps the song moving forward and the track really showcases singer Nicole’s vocals. While it’s not the most memorable track, it serves its purpose as an introduction to the EP and a warm up for listeners of what’s to come.

The band up their game instantly with second track Last Resort, bringing a faster pace and creating a fuller sound. After a lighter and more atmospheric start the band get a little heavier and keep this flowing right into the chorus, with Nicole Mason adding a bit of bite and attitude onto the lyrics, in particular ‘victim’ and ‘give back my life which no one owns’, giving more meaning and ferocity to the track and helping it to really stand out.

Sitting in the middle of the EP is lead single Catalyst, which boasts the catchiest chorus and sees the band continue to get more musically dynamic. The verses contain more noticeable guitar riffs than previous tracks that vary in the first and second verses and help prevent the them from growing boring and give the song more of an edge. The momentum doesn’t slip away at all during the track, with the break keeping up the pace, whereas on other tracks the song usually dips at that point.

Sink This City has a promising start with the different beginning, but the verse instantly starts to feel a little samey. This is rescued however by the lovely effect of the backing vocals in the pre-chorus and chorus itself, as well as the chorus’ guitar riff. The vocal effect in the bridge is another stand out point, but the ending feels a bit weak compared to the rest of the song. Ending the EP is title track Embers. Instantly hit with fast paced guitars and a catchy riff in the verse, you flow into another catchy chorus that wouldn’t sound of place on a PANIC AT THE DISCO record.

Ultimately, Embers truly does showcase a band full of potential. While there is still room for improvement, DIVIDE have managed to produce a solid EP with tracks that can hold their own and don’t fall into the trap of blurring together or growing boring, and show that they have indeed come back stronger than ever.

Rating: 8/10

Embers is out now via self-release.

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